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ParentUCAS Guide

Parents’ guideYour daughter/son is going to be facing some big choices about their futures in the coming months. The biggest choice will be between going to university and looking for employment or an apprenticeship.

This guide is intended to help you understand some of the factors that can affect the decisions teenagers have to make, as well as the process for applying to university.

What are the choices available?University• Study a subject in greater detail• Degrees are still necessary for many professions, including Law, Medicine, Teaching and so on• Can be an enjoyable and provide valuable experience

Apprenticeships• Earn a salary• Receive training• Gain qualifications• Learn job-specific skills

Employment• No fees!• Get paid!• Gain skills and experience• Begin a career Other• Foundation Degrees – can be done locally; complete part of a degree with the option of converting to a full degree• Open University – distance learning, can be completed whilst working• Further Training – vocational subjects, especially at local FE colleges• Gap Year

Why university?Going to university is a much tougher choice for students now than in recent years, due to the increase in fees and greater competition for places. However, there are still very good reasons to think carefully about a university degree: • A degree is required for many professions: Medicine, Law, Teaching• Degrees are still seen as a way of distinguishing the best candidates for a job• Graduates still earn more on average than non-graduates• University is usually a great experience

However:• Not everyone wants to continue studying• Debts!

Money mattersThere are many myths about student loans, but the basic facts are these:• Students do not pay upfront• Students repay less per year than under the old system• Students will owe more• Students will be in debt longer• Repayments are the same if students borrow £6K or £9K• Many people will never pay it all back• Parents are not liable for students’ loans (repayments come directly from the individual’s wages)• Student debts do not affect credit rating

What is Student Finance made up of?Tuition fees• Up to £9000 per year • Paid straight to university• Repayable Maintenance loan • Up to £5500 per year (£7675 in London) • Paid to students • Repayable Maintenance grant • Up to £3250 • Paid to students • Means tested – non-repayable Universities also offer bursaries and payments for various reasons – check their websites for details

The situation is much more complicated than it appears; for instance, if students have special circumstances then they may be entitled to more money. Also, all the universities offer bursaries to students who are from poorer backgrounds, as well as to students who achieve outstanding results. These can take the form of a cash contribution towards fees or a reduction in accommodation costs.

More information can be found from a number of sources:Gov.uk contains information about student finance

University websites contain advice and information about their fees and financial support

Moneysavingexpert.com has plenty of sensible advice and guidance about student finance

How do students apply for university?Year 12 January-May Begin thinking about subjects/careers

July UCAS Fair Visit UCAS Fair at Liverpool University where all universities, colleges and some employers have stands. Gather information about courses, fees and places you might like to study

July Begin UCAS application – register in form time. Begin filling in application

July-September Attend University Open Days to experience the places first hand

August Write personal statement

Year 13 September Complete UCAS application, pay and send

September-January Universities may invite candidates for interviews

December Apply for student finance

March-April Make final choice

August Results day – confirm university place

What if a student doesn’t want to go to university?University is not the right option for everyone (although completing an application is a sensible precaution). A number of other options are available for students who do not wish continue their studies. The most favoured option is an apprenticeship, which offers training and qualifications.

Apprenticeships Many become available in the Spring as providers look for suitable candidates. Students can look on local newspaper websites, the St Helens Chamber website and the National Apprenticeship website.

Useful websiteswww.ucas.com Contains useful information, including course searches

www.creditaction.org.uk/students Has much useful information about money, budgeting etc

www.moneysavingexpert.com/students Clear advice about funding for students

www.theguardian.co.uk Has a university league table; check other websites such as The Times

www.connexionslive.com Information about apprenticeships, jobs, careers

www.apprenticeships.co.ukNational website containing apprenticeships

www.sthelensstar.co.ukLocal jobs and apprenticeships

www.sthelensreporter.co.ukLocal jobs and apprenticeships

www.sthelenschamber.comLots of information about jobs, apprenticeships, careers and business opportunities in St Helens

www.notgoingtouni.com Gives info about other options

You can also check websites for big companies for appren-ticeships: Barclays, KPMG (accountancy), British Gas, Army, Kwik Fit and so on.

More information can be found in the Student’s Guide. If you have any further questions regarding Higher Education or progression in general, please contact the college.